Molly O'Keefe

Molly O’Keefe serves as a Contract Specialist within the U.S. Coast Guard’s Headquarters Contract Operations (CG-912), where she plays a pivotal role in executing strategic acquisitions critical to national maritime security and operational readiness. She manages the full lifecycle of complex contracts for shipbuilding, vessel modernization, and technical services, ensuring alignment with the Coast Guard’s mission to sustain and enhance its fleet of patrol vessels, search and detection systems, and maritime domain awareness platforms. Her work directly supports force modernization initiatives through compliant, efficient procurement practices that prioritize mission-critical capabilities and long-term fleet sustainability. O’Keefe maintains longstanding relationships with key shipyard and maritime systems contractors, including Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C., Davie Defense Inc., Rauma Marine Constructions Oy, and Rozema’s Boat Works, Inc. These partnerships are centered on the design, construction, and overhaul of specialized coastal and riverine vessels, as well as integrated systems for navigation, surveillance, and propulsion. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, rigorous technical evaluation, and close collaboration with engineering and operational stakeholders to ensure delivered solutions meet stringent maritime standards. Her procurement portfolio reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her awards issued under no set-aside classifications. This indicates a strategic focus on leveraging industry-wide capacity and technical expertise rather than socioeconomic set-asides, while still ensuring competitive fairness and value. She does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, instead prioritizing capability-driven sourcing from established maritime industrial base participants. O’Keefe’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), which accounts for 80% of her portfolio, encompassing new construction, dry-docking, and fleet modernization. The remaining 20% involves NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), particularly for naval architecture, systems integration, and compliance testing. Her technical expertise spans maritime vessel design, hull structural integrity, propulsion systems, and sensor integration, making her a key enabler of the Coast Guard’s evolving operational capabilities.